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 Replies: 15 / Views: 6,693 |
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Valued Member
Canada
78 Posts |
Has anyone here tried using a ring flash to take photos of their coins?
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Type ring flash in the search box to the left of this page and you will find some info. John1  |
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Valued Member
 Canada
78 Posts |
Thanks.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1248 Posts |
why would you do that? ring flash is expensive compared to axial lighting.
it does light up your whole coin if set up properly and cost less than $ 20.
there are instructions somewhere on here from dave I believe.
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Valued Member
Canada
78 Posts |
Thanks hhbkiddo I will look into that.  |
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Valued Member
United States
211 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
877 Posts |
I have recently bought a cheap ($75) digital camera for taking photographs for ebay listings. It is 10 megapixel, 4 x optical zoom and focuses down to 50mm (2"). But, it has a problem for photographing an individual coin close up. The camers shades the coin so it is almost impossible to get even lighting and, if the coin is nice and lustrous, the lens reflects in the coin. A ring light seems the answer I need. So I am going to try this http://www.dansdata.com/ringlight.htm.  Minimal outlay and might just do the trick. Hopefully I can report back in a week or two with sample pics. Jeff Edited by Jeff
12/06/2010 11:10 pm
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Valued Member
United States
211 Posts |
I think you can get the same effect with a pair of carefully placed lights. Those LED's look like they barely put out light. The type of ring lights that are made for macro photography are bright and sit very close to the perimeter of the lens. The axial lighting trick is a great way to go to capture luster.
SuperDave posted a brilliant ring light substitute. He just used a circular fluorescent light like they use for bathroom fixtures. Gerry-rigged a standard fixture to plug into the wall. That will pump out serious light compared to the LEDs.
BTW instead of breaking up a camping lantern wouldn't it be easier to rig up some xmas tree lights to form a ring around the lens? In a couple weeks the stores will be giving them away.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
877 Posts |
Well, light finally arrived so I can get onto experimenting now.
Paid for 8 December, posted 12 December (air mail) and received 27 January! Over 6 weeks from Hong Kong to Australia. Wonder what type of plane Hong Kong post uses?
Jeff
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
Wonder what type of plane Hong Kong post uses?  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1248 Posts |
that is not KaiTak nor Lantau airports....
dave....?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
877 Posts |
I was thinking more along the lines of a hot air balloon, hang glider or, maybe, one of those recent pedal powered units. Jeff |
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
877 Posts |
I should hope you get good results with Canon MR-14EX. They sell for around $500 in Australia. Your examples do look good. Jeff |
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Valued Member
United States
380 Posts |
Ring flash helps for any macro photography... But really consider if you need it. If it's something that you already have, then by all means let's see what you can do!
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
The ring flash gives excellent results in most situations. The biggest problem is with mirror finish coins. The ring is too close to the lens and gets reflected in the field. In these cases I have to use a flash from a lower angle. I need to experiment with axial lighting using a large diffuser reflected of a sheet of glass.
I've also had trouble with fine engraving on gold medals. The engraved lettering disappears into the gold field. Using a flash at a lower angle helps a little but not much.
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Replies: 15 / Views: 6,693 |
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Posted 04/21/2010 12:13 pm
